Disclaimer: Same as before
Chap. 4
Nerv HQ
Misato had come in to Ritsuko's lab. As usual, Ritsuko was busy working, with a cup of cold coffee nearby.
"Hey, Ritsuko. Late nighter?"
Ritsuko didn't look up, "Isn't it always? It's what I live for."
Misato sat nearby, "So what have you found."
"Not much." She took a sip of coffee, "So far, the raise in the synch levels were caused by something done by Asuka and Rei. But I'm still having trouble determining what."
"Well, I guess Tsunami going to be with us a little longer."
"Let's hope it's not too long."
Misato turned to her, "Why do you say that?"
Another sip, "The longer Tsunami remains, the less likely I'll be able to bring back Rei and Asuka. Their DNA will be harder to separate the longer she remains and it will eventually get to the point where it will be impossible."
"I see. I kind of figured as much."
"How is Shinji taking it?"
Misato looked back out the window, "Well, you know, that's the weird part. When she first awoke yesterday, he didn't seem too bothered by it. But later afterward, I noticed that he was beginning to feel depressed."
"He must have had time to think about."
"I guess he realizes that there's a chance that Rei and Asuka may not come back either." She sighed, "I just hope he doesn't do anything foolish."
Ritsuko stopped briefly and looked up at her friend, "I suggest you keep an eye on him and Tsunami."
"Why Tsunami?
"Are you kidding? She is half Rei and half Auska. Why wouldn't there be a problem?"
_
Outside school...
Shinji had left for home earlier than normal. He didn't want to leave his friends by themselves, but he also didn't want to risk Tsunami wanting to be around him. She made him feel uneasy. Why that was, he didn't know. But right now, he wanted to get as far away as possible.
But sometimes, you just don't get what you want…
"Shinji, we need to talk."
Surprised, Shinji wheeled around to face Tsunami. Coincidentally, his eyes locked with hers.
"What is it Tsunami?"
She didn't break the gaze, "Shinji, why have you been avoiding me?"
"......"
"Shinji, please talk to me. You've always been able to talk to me.
"Have I? I don't even know you."
Tsunami was taken aback, "Nani?"
"I've never knew you, Tsunami."
"I...don't understand."
"Rei always kept to herself and Asuka always picks on me. I don't even know if you're a real person. Are you Asuka, or Rei?"
"I....I...am I."
Tsunami looked away, tears beginning to form in her eyes, but Shinji failed to notice.
"You can't be Tsunami. Who are you? What are you?"
SLAP!!!!
In an instant, Tsunami turned and slapped Shinji straight to the ground. Shinji looked up, only to face a very angry and hurt Tsunami.
"What do you know? You're nothing but a spineless baka anyway! Why don't you just leave me alone!"
With that, Tsunami ran off, leaving Shinji still on the ground. Shinji watched her go. Why did go and I say that? He rubbed his red, hand-printed cheek. I can't believe I said that. I hurt her. Why do I always hurt people?
"Hey Shinji.
Shinji blinked and looked up in surprise. There standing over him was a familiar middle-aged man, still with an unshaven face.
"Kaji-san?"
Kaji lent out his hand, "Rough day?"
Shinji took it and Kaji helped him up, "You could say that."
The older man smiled, "Well, come on. We'll talk about it on the way."
_
The two of them walked down the streets of Tokyo-3 to Kaji's house. As they did, Shinji told Kaji about what had happened after school. He made sure to leave out the fact that Tsunami was really Rei and Asuka fused into one, but knowing Kaji, he probably already knew. They stopped in front of his melon patch.
"And that's about it."
"I see."
"I didn't mean to say that. But it all, just happened so fast."
"Well, I understand, but I'm not the one you should apologize to."
Shinji looked down, "I'm just not sure I can face her again. Especially after what I said to her."
Kaji looked at his young friend warily, "She's probably more scared than you are."
"Really?"
"Think about it. She's two people joined into one. And it's Asuka and Rei to top it off. More than likely, she's very confused about herself and everyone around her. She saw you as the only one to draw to."
"Me?"
"Yeah." He stood back against a nearby pole. "It's one of the things I admire about you. You can draw in the most disturbed of people and make them feel better. And it's usually women." He then grinned, "If I had that, I would still be with Misato."
"Kaji!"
"Don't worry about it. You should go. No telling how she's feeling right now."
Shinji slowly nodded, "Arigato, Kaji-san."
__
"Tsunami? Tsunami, are you here?"
Shinji had just arrived home. He had time to think about his conversation with Kaji, but that didn't make him any less nervous. Still he had to face this. Face her. I mustn't run away. I mustn't run away. I mustn't run away.
"Tsunami?"
The place was eerily quiet. Shinji looked around. I guess she hasn't come back yet. Still, a nagging edged in him. Something feels...wrong. Shinji walked to Asuka's room. Correction, Tsunami's room. He knocked lightly on the door.
"Tsunami?"
No response. Shinji slowly opened the door, expecting to see the purple haired girl asleep. Instead, he was greeted by a horrifying sight.
"Tsunami!"
Tsunami was sprawled on the floor next to the bed. Her face and skin were a sickening pale shade. Blood flowed from out of her forearms and a razor was found nearby. Shinji almost fainted, but he managed to keep himself from falling. In a panic, he grabbed the phone and quickly dialed a number.
"Hello. Dr. Akagi, come quickly!"
Shinji, calm down. What is it?"
"It's Tsunami. She's dying!"